MODULE 1 General Concepts and Historical Developments This module will introduce students to the study of Science, Technology, and Society (STS). This module will start with the general concepts and historical development of science and technology and its role in shaping the society, and how it played a role in the Philippine nation building. Intended Learning Outcomes At the end of this module, the students should be able to: 1. Demonstrate proficient and effective communication on the history and evolution of technology and intellectual revolutions that defined society. 2. Articulate major development programs and agenda of Science and Technology in the Philippines Section 1 Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society - This section introduces Science, Technology, and Society (STS) as a field of study. After defining science and technology, the section will trace the historical roots of STS as an academic field. It will also enumerate emerging ethical dilemmas that reinforce the importance of the study in an age of scientific progress and technological development. Diagnostics. Write TRUE if you think that the statement is true and FALSE, if otherwise. (Note: for those with the STS textbooks, please see pp. 2-3) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Science is a methodical way of acquiring knowledge. Technology is the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. Science and Technology can be dangerous. STS is the study of how science and technology shape and are shaped by social instances. STS deals with the historical development of science and technology but does not cover their philosophical underpinnings. The study of STS primarily concerns students of science and technology programs, and not non-science students as much. STS is an important area of study because science and technology permeate every aspect of everyday life Science and technology are not crucial factors in nation building . History cannot teach people about evaluating present-day science and technology. 10. STS draws from other disciplined, such as history, sociology, philosophy, economics, political science, international relations, and science policy. Science and Technology: An Overview Science - - Comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning “knowledge.” Refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation, or both. Involves solving problems through the scientific method. What are the steps involved in the SCIENTIFIC METHOD? “Modern science is a discovery as well as an invention” - John Heilbron John Heilbron - Famous American science historian Considered science as a discovery of regularity in nature, enough for phenomena to be described by principles and laws. Also explained that science required invention to devise techniques, abstractions, apparatuses, and organizations to describe these natural regularities and their law-like descriptions. Technology - - Application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to produce services, materials, tools, and machines aimed at solving real-world problems. Comes from the Greek word techne, meaning “art, skill, or cunning of hand.” Things that fulfil our needs and desires, or perform certain functions Involves creating and inventing things “What defines a technological tool – one historical definition – is something that takes a human’s sense or ability and augments it and makes it more powerful. So, for example, I wear contact lenses or glasses; that is a technology that enhances my human ability of vision and makes it better .” - Mark Zuckerberg Further Reading The Medawar Lecture 1998: Is Science Dangerous? (Lewis Wolpert) - - Reliable scientific knowledge has no moral or ethical value It is meant simply to explain how nature and the universe work and that the obligations of scientists, besides studying the nature of the universe, is to explain the possible uses and applications of such scientific knowledge. Science is not the same as technology. The very nature of science is that it is not possible to predict scientific discoveries and how these discoveries may be applied. Click the download link to access the publication: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7613545_The_Medawar_Lecture_1998__Is_science_dangerous The roles of Science and Technology So how are science and technology related? - Provides fertile source of novel scientific question justifies the allocation of resources needed to address these questions in an efficient and timely manner, extending the agenda of science - Source of otherwise unavailable instrumentation and techniques needed to address novel and more difficult scientific questions more efficiently Science, Technology, and Society - - A relatively young field that combines previously independent and older disciplines, such as the history of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of science. Generally, applies methods drawn from history, philosophy, and sociology to study the nature of science and technology and ultimately judge their value and place in the society. Quick Question: What is the role of Science and Technology in your life? - As an interdisciplinary field, the emergence of STS was a result of questions about science and technology’s dynamic interaction with various aspects of society and was thus viewed as a socially embedded enterprise. - STS seeks to bridge the gap between two traditionally exclusive cultures – humanities (interpretative) and natural sciences (rational) – so that humans will be able to confront the moral, ethical, and existential dilemmas brought about by continued developments in science and technology. Even if science and technology has brought about many useful and exciting things, there are still drawbacks to these. Antibiotics were invented Overuse/ misuse of antibiotics Antibiotic resistance TOP 10 Ethical Dilemmas (2020) - The pseudoscience of skincare. AI and Gamification in Hiring Predatory Journals The HARPA SAFEHOME Proposal Class Dojo and Classroom Source: Surveillance Grinch Bots Project Nightingale Student Tracking Software The Corruption of Tech Ethics Deep Fakes For further reading, visit: https://www.laboratoryequipment.com/558920-Top-10Ethical-Dilemmas-in-Science-for-2020/ Quick Question: What moral, ethical, and existential dilemmas brought about by S&T do you know? Exercise 1. Reflection (Individual Activity) Instructions. Find an image that depicts an issue or problem in science and technology. Then, answer the following questions. 1. What is the issue or problem depicted in the image? 2. How does this particular issue or problem impact the well-being of humans today? 3. Why is it important for people to study and learn about STS as an academic field, especially in addressing the issue or problem depicted in the image Exercise 2. Issues in Science and Technology Instructions: Form groups with 3-4 members. From the list presented previously in the module, choose one emerging ethical dilemma in science and technology. Research about the nature of the dilemma assigned to your group and be prepared to report the highlights of your research in class. Create a PowerPoint presentation (no more than 5 slides) to highlight of the summary (if you have the textbook, go to p. 11). Use the guide questions below: 1. 2. 3. 4. What is the emerging ethical dilemma about? What factors or events led to this dilemma? What are the societal implications of this dilemma? Why is it important to question the moral and ethical issues surrounding innovations in science and technology? 5. In the face of this dilemma, why is it important to study STS? Reading Assignment Read Lewis Wolpert’s The Medawar Lecture 1998 Is Science Dangerous? Take note of the key points in the article and prepare for class discussion Section 2 Historical Antecedents of Science and Technology - This section tackles how social contexts shaped and were shaped by S&T across three historical periods – ancient period, middle ages, and modern ages. It provides a historical context on the beginnings of S&T through the ages. Furthermore, this section also includes a brief history of S&T in the Philippines, as well as important inventions and innovations done by Filipino scientists. Diagnostics. Watch an 18-minute TEDx talk by Hannu Rajaniemi, The Big History of Modern Science (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcWsjlGPPFQ&t=104s). Write a short essay on the topic, “Why is it important to study the history of Science and Technology?” based on what you have learned from the video. One of the key interests of STS as an academic field is the history of science and Technology. As a strand of STS, the history of S&T focuses on how it changed across time. It also explores the impacts of scientific and technological innovations on the prevailing social, cultural, political, and economic contexts throughout history. Ancient Period The rise of ancient civilization paved the way for advances in science and technology. These advances during the ancient period allowed civilizations to flourish by looking for better ways to communicate, transport, self-organize, and enhance their way of life, in general. The Ancient Times were divided into three periods: 1. Stone Age (Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic) 2. Bronze Age 3. Iron Age Some Technologies or Inventions from the Ancient Period include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Ancient Wheel Paper Shadoof Antikythera Mechanism Aeolipile Middle Ages Between the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD and the colonial expansion of Western Europe in the late 15th century AD, major advances in scientific and technological development took place. These include the steady increase of new inventions, introduction of innovations in traditional production, and the emergence scientific thinking and the scientific method. Some Technologies or Inventions from the Middle Ages include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Heavy Plough Gunpowder Paper Money Mechanical Clock Spinning Wheel Modern Ages As the world population steadily increased, people of the Modern Ages realized the utmost importance of increasing the efficiency of transportation, communication and production. Industrialization took place with greater risks in human health, food safety and environment which had to be addressed as scientific and technological progress unfolded at an unimaginable speed. Some Technologies or Inventions from the Modern Ages include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Compound Microscope Telescope Jacquard Loom Engine-Powered Airplane Televisions Inventions of Filipino Scientists Our country also has its own history and tradition of scientific and technological innovations. It is very known that Filipinos are innovative and ingenuous – making something out of simple things that are available around them. As with other inventions, for Filipinos, necessity is also the mother of Philippine inventions. Throughout the Philippine history, Filipinos are responsible for developing many scientific and technological innovations focused on navigation, traditional ship building, textiles, food processing, indigenous arts and techniques, and even cultural inventions. The following are some of inventions of Filipino scientists and inventors: 1. E- Jeepney - Jeepneys are one of the most recognized national symbols of the Philippines. It is also one of the most common mode of transportation for Filipinos. - The assembly and conversion of “jeepneys” for transport and utility from scraps of American military jeeps left from World War 2 showed the ingenuity and innovativeness of Filipinos. - However, as the demand for more environmentally friendly transportation arose, e-jeepneys were introduced as an alternative to the traditional jeepney This is because jeepneys were reported to be one of the root causes of air pollution especially in urban areas. Their safety was held in question, as well. - E-jeepneys are designed to be environment-friendly, eliminating noise and air pollution because they run on electricity. 2. Erythromycin - One of the most well- known antibiotics in the market. - Invented by an Ilonggo scientist, Abelardo Aguilar, from a strain of Streptomyces erythraeus. - However, Aguilar was not credited for this discovery because he was under the employment of an American company, Eli Lilli Co. The company eventually owned the merits for this discovery. 3. Bamboo Incubator - World renowned Filipino paediatrician, Dr. Fe Del Mundo, was credited for the invention of the incubator and jaundice removing device. - Her original design consisted of two native laundry baskets of different sizes that are placed one inside the other. Warmth was generated by bottles with hot water placed around the baskets. A makeshift hood over the baskets allows oxygen to circulate inside the incubator. - Was used to aid the regulation of body temperatures of newborn babies, especially in areas with no electricity. 4. Mole Remover - Invented by Rolando dela Cruz in 2000. - Used for removal of moles and warts, the invention was made from cashew (Annacardium occidentale) nut extracts which are very common in the Philippines. - Dela Cruz won a gold medal for this invention in the International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design, and Technology Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2000. 5. Banana Ketchup - Invented by the Filipino food technologist, Maria Orosa. - Was invented to be used as an alternative to tomato ketchup during the backdrop of the World War 2 when there was a shortage of tomatoes. - Orosa developed banana ketchup made from mashed banana, sugar, vinegar and spices. Red food coloring was added so that it would resemble tomato ketchup. Assignment. If I were an inventor… For this assignment, address the question: “If you were an inventor, what would you invent?” In thinking about an invention, make sure that you come up with one that has not been invented yet but is possible to be invented in the near future. Sketch a draft of the invention and then answer the following questions: 1. What is your invention? What does it do? 2. How is your invention similar to or different from existing tools or technologies in terms of function? 3. Why is there a need for this invention? How will this invention make the world a better place to live in? Section 3 Intellectual Revolutions and Society - - This section reviews the intellectual revolutions that shaped the society by means of science and technology. It focuses on three of the most important intellectual revolutions: Copernican, Darwinian, and Freudian. The section also engages students in a critical analysis of ongoing intellectual and scientific revolutions, which they may find themselves a part of. In S&T, intellectual refer to the series of events that led to the emergence of modern science and the progress of scientific thinking across critical periods in history. Although there are many intellectual revolutions, this section only gives focus on the three most important intellectual revolutions that altered the way humans view science and its impacts on the society. These are: Copernican, Darwinian, and Freudian revolutions. According to the French astronomer, mathematician, and freemason, Jean Sylvain Bailley, these scientific revolutions involved a two-stage process of sweeping away the old and establishing the new. It is also worth noting that, by themselves, these intellectual revolutions are also paradigm shifts. These paradigm shifts resulted from a renewed and enlightened understanding of how the universe behaves and functions. Furthermore, they also challenged the long-held views about the nature of the universe, thus, garnering huge resistance and controversy. 1. Copernican Revolution - - - The Copernican Revolution refers to the 16th-century paradigm shift named after the Polish mathematician and astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Copernicus formulated the heliocentric model in the publication of his paper, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (The Revolution of the Celestial Spheres ), in 1543. Challenged the previous belief that the Earth was the center of the universe (geocentrism) proposed by Claudius Ptolemy (Ptolemaic Model). Heliocentric Model the Sun is at the center of the universe Geocentric model vs. Heliocentric model of the solar system. 2. Darwinian Revolution - - - The publication of Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species ushered a new era in the intellectual history of humanity. Considered to be one of the most controversial intellectual revolutions of its time. Completed the Copernican revolution initiated three centuries earlier, and thereby radically changed our conception of the universe and the place of humanity in it. Charles Darwin is an English naturalist, biologist and geologist; he introduced the theory of evolution where population pass through a process of natural selection in which only the fittest would survive (natural selection). The organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment and would gradually change into something that would be more competitive to survive - “One general law, leading to the advancement of all organic beings, namely, multiply, vary, let the strongest live and the weakest die.” ― Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species 3. Freudian Revolution - Austrian neurologist, Sigmund Freud is credited for stirring a 20 th century intellectual revolution named after him – the Freudian Revolution. Psychoanalysis as a school of thought in psychology is at the center of this revolution. Psychoanalysis a scientific method of understanding inner and unconscious conflicts embedded within one’s personality, springing from free associations, dreams, and fantasies of the individual. It immediately shot into controversy because it emphasized the existence of the unconscious where feelings, thoughts, urges, emotions and memories are contained outside of one’s conscious mind. Amidst controversy, Freud’s psychoanalysis is widely credited for dominating psychotherapeutic practice in the early 20th century. Exercise. Aside from the three intellectual revolutions discussed in this section, other intellectual revolutions also took place across history in many parts of the world ( North America, Asia, Middle East, Africa). Find a partner among your classmates and research on a particular intellectual revolution that took place in any of the four geographical locations mentioned. Prepare a five-slide PowerPoint presentation and report the highlights of your chosen intellectual revolution. Use the following questions to guide you: 1. What is the intellectual revolution about? 2. Who are the key figures in the revolution? 3. How did the revolution advance modern science and scientific thinking at the time? 4. What controversies did the revolution meet? Section 4 Science and Technology and Nation Building - This section situates STS in the context of the Philippine nation building. It initially surveys contributions of Filipino scientists to science and technology. It then traces the historical development and impact of science and technology on the various segments of Philippine society. These discussions are geared toward engaging students in a critical analysis of science and technology as a tool for nation building. Pre-colonial Times - Science and technology in the Philippines had its beginnings during the pre-colonial times. People used herbal medicine to treat illnesses. Filipinos used writing, numerical treatment, measurement, and calendar systems to facilitate trading. Farming, fishing, mining, and weaving was developed by Filipinos during this period ( the Banaue Rice Terraces was built during this period) Spanish Colonial Period - - Science and technology was developed through the establishment of formal education institutions and the launching of scientific organizations. Schools were mandated to teach religion, reading and writing, music and arts, and health and sanitation. Medicine and biology were taught in different educational and training institutions. The natives were trained to use innovative approach in farming; engineering was also introduced for constructing buildings, churches, bridges, roads, and forts. Rapid development of scientific principles influenced by Western culture during the Spanish colonial period was short-changed. Trade was more prioritized compared to agriculture and industrial development because its potential to gain large profits. American Period - Reorganized institutions for science and technology were reorganized. o Laboratorio Municipal Bureau of Government Laboratories (under US Department of Interior). o The Bureau of Government laboratories was established for the purpose of studying tropical diseases and pursuing other related research projects; eventually became Bureau of Science which became the main research center of the Philippines. - The National Research Council of the Philippines was established. 1933 - Development during the American regime was focused on agriculture, medicine and pharmacy, food processing, and forestry. - The Bureau of Science was replaced by Institute of Science. 1946 Ferdinand E. Marcos - - During the time of the former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the role of science and technology in national development was emphasized. Mandated the Department of Education and Culture, now known as the Department of Education (DepeD), to promote science courses in public high schools. Additional budget for research projects in applied sciences and science was granted. In 1968, Taguig was proclaimed as the Philippine Science Community, now the site of Department of Science and Technology. The Philippine Coconut Institute (PHILCORIN) was tasked to promote modernization of the coconut industry. Several institutions were also established. The following were: 1. 2. 3. 4. Philippine Textile Research Center Philippine Atomic Energy Commission Philippine Nuclear Institute National Grains Authority National Food Authority Philippine Council for Agricultural Research Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) 5. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) 6. Philippine National Oil Company 7. Plant Breeding Institute 8. International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) 9. Bureau of Plant Industry 10. Bureau of Forest Products 11. National Committee on Geological Sciences - The National Science Development Board was reorganized as the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) In 1976, the National Academy of Science (NAST) was established to be the reservoir of scientific and technological expertise in the country. Corazon Aquino - NSTA was renamed as DOST in 1986 under President Corazon Aquino. This was done in order for the S&T sector to be represented in the cabinet. The Science and Technology Master Plan by the DOST aimed to update the production sector, improve research activities, and develop infrastructures for the science and technology sector. Fidel V. Ramos - - During the time of President Fidel V. Ramos, the Philippines had approximately 3000 competent scientists and engineers. The Doctors to the Barrio program made health care accessible even in far-flung areas. The National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science and Technology was created for high school students who wanted to major in science and engineering in college. Several laws and statutes related to the science and technology sector were mandated: 1. R.A. 8439 ( Magna Carta for Scientist, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel in Government) 2. R.A. 7687 (Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994) 3. R.A. 7559 (Inventors and Inventions Incentive Act) 4. R.A. 8293 (The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines) Joseph Ejercito Estrada - - R.A. 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999) and R.A. 8792 (Electronic Commerce Act of 2000) were both signed and mandated during the term of President Joseph Estrada. Responsible for implementing cost-effective irrigation technologies and providing health care services for those who could not afford them. Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo - - Filipinnovation was coined to refer to the Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia. Promulgation of R.A. 9367 (Biofuels Act) to utilize indigenous materials as sources of energy; was not successful due to the lack of technology to source raw materials. R.A. 10601 (Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Law) was passed to modernize agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment. Benigno Aquino III - New National Scientists were named in 2014. The following were: 1. 2. 3. 4. Gavino C. Trono (Marine Biology) Angel C. Alcala (Biological Science) Ramon C. Barba (Horticulture) Edgardo D. Gomez (Marine Biology) Rodrigo Duterte - - Science and Technology sector is seen to be a priority based on the budget for research and Development (R&D) that grew by nearly six times over the same period. DOST focus was set to put results of R&D into commercialization in order to gain new intellectual properties. Philippine Space Technology Program launched Diwata- 2 in 2018 after the launch of Diwata-1 in 2016 that displayed the Philippine flag in space. Science and Technology in the Philippines and the Environment S&T has brought about numerous contributions the society. This is especially true in the agricultural sector and food production. These include: 1. Mechanization of Farming - Tools such as pumps and sprinklers help in managing the damaging effects of heat brought about by the changing climate patterns 2. Genetically Modified Crops - Grow faster and are resistant to pests 3. Fertilizers - Increase nutrients in the soil; enhances growth and yield of crops However, these technologies may also affect the environment negatively. For example, research has shown that pesticides contain chemicals that are not environment-friendly. In case of GM crops, only a few studies have been published in terms of their long-term effects on the environment partly because it is still a relatively new technology. Science and technology has improved transportation by land, air, and sea. Communication has also improved through technological advancements. These contributions of S&T always come with adverse impacts including resource depletion. The increasing number of new and advanced technologies in the production and manufacture of different goods and services result in the depletion of the planet’s natural resources. Furthermore, wastes are also generated as these technologies are developed, eventually contributing to increased air, land, and water pollution. Ponder: Think about a situation where S&T has caused negative impacts to the environment. Present key points and discuss different these situations with one another Related Readings and Videos 1. The shrinking of the Aral Sea - "One of the planet's worst environmental disasters" Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp_mlKJiwxg 2. Flint Water Crisis: Everything You Need to Know Link: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/flint-water-crisis-everything-you-need-know 3. The Impact of Technology on the Environment and How Environmental Technology Could Save Our Planet Link: https://bit.ly/2E3eT2s Module 1 References: Quinto, EJM & Nieva, AD. 2019. Science, Technology and Society –Outcome-Based Module. C & E Publishing , Inc. pp 1-pp217.
